The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday granted Kannada actor Darshan a six-week conditional bail on medical grounds in the fan murder case. The court cited his right to medical treatment, allowing him temporary freedom to address severe back pain issues.
Justice S Vishwajith Shetty, presiding over the single-judge bench, ruled that Darshan could choose his treatment hospital but must submit details of his treatment within seven days. Additionally, the court ordered the seizure of Darshan’s passport, as requested by Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Prasanna Kumar.
Darshan, alongside Pavithra Gowda and 15 others, was arrested on June 11 for allegedly kidnapping and murdering Renukaswamy from Chitradurga. The victim had reportedly sent offensive messages to Gowda, angered by Darshan’s relationship with her despite his marital status. Following publicized images of Darshan receiving preferential treatment in Bengaluru Central Prison, he was transferred to Ballari prison. Police later submitted a 3,991-page charge sheet in the case on September 4.
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Senior counsel CV Nagesh argued that Darshan’s condition, involving a disc issue causing leg numbness, required surgery and that delays could worsen his health. Nagesh cited Supreme Court rulings upholding an undertrial’s right to health, asserting that medical bail should be granted irrespective of the charges.
Opposing the bail, SPP Prasanna Kumar highlighted that Darshan’s doctors had only noted potential complications rather than current critical issues, with no mention of an immediate need for surgery. Kumar argued that Darshan’s hip issue had since stabilized and questioned the specificity of the treatment details in the doctor’s report.
Justice Shetty affirmed Darshan’s right to health, emphasizing that even undertrials have this right, and questioned the SPP on the latest health assessment’s implications. Darshan, who plans to undergo treatment at Mysuru’s Apollo Hospital, will remain under court-supervised bail during his medical care.
